Trump weighs resuming strikes on Iran as talks hit deadlock SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a possible resumption of airstrikes on Iran, raising concerns that military confrontation between Washington and Tehran could return to the forefront after he canceled plans to attend his eldest son’s wedding and decided to remain in Washington. The move came as little progress has been made in negotiations since Washington delivered what U.S. media described as a “final offer” to Iran on May 20. Trump is reportedly seriously considering new strikes if Tehran does not accept the proposal soon. According to U.S. political circles and foreign media reports, Trump met with key national security officials at the White House on Friday, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, to review the status of negotiations with Iran and possible military options. Axios reported that Trump is increasingly frustrated with the talks and is seriously considering resuming strikes unless there is a breakthrough. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was absent due to a trip to Europe, while Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not attend because he was at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation ceremony, according to reports. Trump had initially planned to spend the Memorial Day weekend at his golf club in New Jersey after a speech in New York on Friday evening, before traveling to the Bahamas over the weekend for the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. But he said on Truth Social that he would skip the wedding due to “circumstances pertaining to the Government” and his “love of the United States of America,” adding that he felt it was important to remain at the White House during “this important period of time.” Defense and intelligence officials have also reportedly canceled holiday plans as they prepare for the possibility of renewed military confrontation in the Middle East. The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks since agreeing to a temporary cease-fire on April 7, discussing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, its nuclear program and terms for ending the war. Washington reportedly delivered a final proposal to Tehran on May 20 that included terms for maintaining the cease-fire, handling nuclear material and guaranteeing passage through the strait. If Iran rejects the offer, the Trump administration is said to be reviewing renewed strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, missile sites, nuclear-related facilities and leadership targets. Iran, however, has acknowledged that talks are continuing while maintaining that a deal is not imminent. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said discussions on key issues are still underway, while figures close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have reportedly said the talks are focused on ending the war and that other issues will not be addressed until that goal is achieved. U.S. officials have described the negotiations as “painful,” saying the process remains stuck in an exchange of draft documents with little substantive progress. At the same time, mediators including Pakistan and Qatar are said to be making last-minute efforts to prevent another escalation. Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to meet Iranian leaders, while Qatari officials are also reportedly involved in efforts to revive the talks. Some U.S. officials believe that unless an unexpected breakthrough emerges within the next 24 to 48 hours, Trump could move closer to ordering renewed airstrikes. 2026-05-23 17:45:48

Nexon's 'MapleStory' Expands Offline Presence in Jamsil Nexon is collaborating with the Lotte Group to expand the offline presence of its flagship intellectual property (IP), MapleStory, in the Jamsil area. Following the introduction of the themed space "Maple Island" at Lotte World Adventure in April, they have now launched a large-scale exhibition and pop-up store at Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. This initiative aims to enhance the experiential content of the long-running IP, which has been in service for 23 years. On May 22, Nexon and Lotte Group kicked off the offline event "Maple Attack! with Lotte" at Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. Visitors to the area around Lotte World Mall in Jamsil were greeted by a vibrant display of MapleStory characters. Even in the early hours, many people were seen taking photos in front of a large "Orange Mushroom" art balloon set up at Seokchon Lake. The grassy area next to Lotte World Tower featured various interactive experiences for attendees. One highlight was the "Henesys Jump King" mini-game, where participants could jump on a trampoline to control a character on a large screen. By linking the "Maple Hands+" app, users could participate with their actual game characters, allowing both MapleStory players and the general public to enjoy the activities. Other attractions included a photo event where participants could hunt "Zombie Mushmom" using weapon props and capture the moment with Polaroid photos, as well as a "Bubble Shower Time" where bubbles were sprayed on-site. While the existing Maple Island at Lotte World focused on ticketed attractions, this outdoor exhibition is notable for its accessibility to the general public visiting Jamsil. The presence of MapleStory characters in the Jamsil area is significant for the Lotte Group, as it helps attract visitors. By connecting key locations such as Lotte World Tower, Seokchon Lake, Lotte World Mall, and Lotte Cinema with the MapleStory IP, they aim to increase visitor dwell time. The draw of Maple Island has already been confirmed. According to Nexon and Lotte World, attendance at Lotte World Adventure increased by about 20% in April compared to the week before the opening of Maple Island. This figure also represents a 5% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating that the presence of MapleStory fans has positively impacted visitor numbers. MapleStory is highly regarded as a valuable IP for collaboration in the retail sector, particularly due to its strong user base among those in their 20s and 30s. Launched in 2003, the game has evolved from a teenage audience into a consumer base with significant purchasing power, leading to effective offline collaboration strategies. The expansion of "Maple Attack! with Lotte" into outdoor exhibitions, pop-up stores, Uniqlo, Lotte Wellfood, 7-Eleven, and Lotte Cinema reflects this trend. The exhibition spans not only outdoor spaces like the grassy area but also extends into Lotte World Mall, where MapleStory merchandise is featured alongside products from Uniqlo and 7-Eleven. The Lotte Group has also integrated the MapleStory IP into its retail and content subsidiaries, expanding into various sectors such as fashion, food, and film. At Uniqlo, a custom event called "UTme!" featuring MapleStory characters is being held, while limited-edition products from the collaboration with Lotte Wellfood are available through convenience stores, supermarkets, and online channels. This strategy aims not only to increase foot traffic to Lotte World Mall but also to drive actual sales. This is not the first time Nexon and Lotte have collaborated using Nexon's game IP. In 2021 and 2022, they partnered on the "KartRider" IP at Lotte World, and last year they expanded their collaboration to include MapleStory and "Dungeon & Fighter," confirming the influence of gaming fandom. This exhibition is part of a series of MapleStory events that will continue through next month. Nexon plans to hold a regular showcase for MapleStory next month and will release the animated film "Dear My Hero," based on the MapleStory IP, through Lotte Cinema. A Nexon representative stated, "We are seeing the benefits of expanding offline connections with users through our collaboration with the Lotte Group. If there are opportunities for the MapleStory IP to expand in various forms and meet users in offline spaces, we will continue to hold related events."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:41:23

2026 Seoul International Book Fair to Feature 530 Publishers The 2026 Seoul International Book Fair will take place from June 24 to 28 at COEX in Samseong-dong, featuring over 530 publishers from Korea and abroad. The Korean Publishers Association announced on May 22 that this year's theme is "Homo duduri," unveiling related programs. "Duduri" refers to a mythical figure from ancient Korean texts and the old name for a blacksmith. The theme emphasizes the importance of questioning and expanding human thought in an era where AI provides quick answers and efficiency. This year's fair will host 530 publishers and publishing-related organizations from 18 countries. The guest country, France, will present various programs under the theme "Lire la France" (Read France). Twelve prominent French authors, including novelist Bernard Werber, children's author Mario de Muraïu, picture book author Anne Laval, and philosopher Pascal Bruckner, will participate in the event. The domestic section will feature a book market, exhibitions, lectures, and signings. The "Book Village," showcasing art books and independent publishers, will bring together over 110 independent publishing houses. Notably, this year, the Book Village will invite the Taiwan Independent Publishing Association, the Japan Independent Publishing Expo, and the Singapore Art Book Fair. Additionally, a special exhibition titled "Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Kim Gu's Birth" will be presented by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, allowing visitors to read Kim Gu's writings and create their own declarations. A variety of lectures, seminars, author meet-and-greets, and workshops are also planned. Featured speakers include novelists Eun Hee-kyung, Kim Ae-ran, Baek Su-rin, Jeong Bora, Lee Ju-hye, Park Sun-woo, poets Oh Eun and Hwang In-chan, and An Mi-ok. Themed seminars will include discussions with neuroscientist Jang Dong-seon, musician Sunwoo Jung-a, actress Kim Shin-rok, novelist Jang Ryu-jin, and Mind Minor's Song Gil-young. International author talks will feature a discussion between Park Ji-sun, author of "Luminous," and domestic science fiction writer Kim Cho-yeop, as well as a conversation between Kwon Oh-gyeong, author of "Incendiaries," and domestic author Pyeon Hye-young. Taiwanese international author Chien Tse-hung and screenwriter Chan Wai, known for the film "Comrades: Almost a Love Story," will also hold book talks at the fair. Meet-and-greet sessions will include experts from various fields, such as Choi Jae-cheon, representative of the Biodiversity Foundation, creator Im Ra-ra, monk Jeong-gwan, actress Shin So-yul, picture book author Lee Soo-ji, and Jeon Bo-ra. Early bird tickets will be available from June 8 to 12, general tickets from June 13 to 23, and on-site tickets from June 24 to 28. Meanwhile, the Korean Publishers Association recently held a press conference announcing plans to improve governance and restore public interest in the book fair by the end of the year. They also aim to enhance copyright transactions and expand discussions on technological changes in the publishing industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:39:00

KOSDAQ Surges Amid KOSPI Stabilization; Buy Sidecar Activated for Second Day On May 22, the KOSPI showed signs of stabilization following a significant surge the previous day, while the KOSDAQ soared over 5%, prompting the activation of a buy sidecar for the second consecutive day due to strong net buying from foreign and institutional investors. Analysts suggest that the focus is shifting from large-cap semiconductor stocks to a broader rotation that includes secondary batteries, biotechnology, and small to mid-cap growth stocks. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:34 PM, the KOSDAQ index rose by 57.72 points (5.22%) to reach 1163.69. The index opened at 1119.43, up 13.46 points (1.22%) from the previous trading day, and quickly expanded its gains. At 9:33 AM, a buy sidecar was triggered in the KOSDAQ market, halting program buy orders for five minutes. This follows the simultaneous activation of buy sidecars in both the KOSDAQ and KOSPI markets the day before, marking the second day of such measures in the KOSDAQ. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors net purchased 663.6 billion won and 300.1 billion won, respectively, driving the index higher. Meanwhile, individual investors net sold 934.9 billion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, EcoPro BM (up 9.74%), EcoPro (up 11.56%), Alteogen (up 3.56%), Rainbow Robotics (up 2.69%), and JUSUNG Engineering (up 22.84%) saw significant increases. Conversely, the KOSPI index recorded a gain of 49.32 points (0.63%) to reach 7864.91 at the same time. The index initially recovered above 7880 but later gave back some gains, maintaining a flat trend. In the KOSPI market, individual and institutional investors net bought 1.4 trillion won and 880.7 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors net sold 2.3682 trillion won. Among the top stocks by market capitalization, SK Hynix (up 0.26%), SK Square (up 0.93%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 13.12%), Samsung Life Insurance (up 3.38%), and Doosan Enerbility (up 3.09%) were on the rise, while Samsung Electronics (down 1.75%), Hyundai Motor (down 0.90%), and LG Energy Solution (down 1.50%) faced declines. Market analysts note that the recent focus on large-cap semiconductor stocks is shifting towards a rotation into small and mid-cap growth stocks. Indeed, foreign investors have been net buyers in the KOSDAQ market for six consecutive trading days since May 15. In contrast, the KOSPI market has seen ongoing profit-taking sales this month. Kang Jin-hyuk, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, stated, "The launch of the public participation growth fund sold out within 30 minutes, significantly improving investor sentiment towards growth stocks. Expectations for capital inflows into advanced industries are rising, leading the KOSDAQ to significantly outperform the KOSPI." He added, "EcoPro BM surged to reclaim the top market capitalization, and with the upcoming release of abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), biotech stocks are also showing strength." The public participation growth fund, which began selling today, reportedly attracted significant investment demand, with some brokerage firms experiencing early exhaustion of their quotas shortly after sales commenced.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:36:32

Former National Intelligence Service Deputy Chief Hong Jang-won Appears for Special Investigation Hong Jang-won, the former Deputy Chief of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), who gained attention as a whistleblower during the December 3 martial law, appeared before the special investigation team to face charges of insurrection involvement. On May 22, the special investigation team summoned Hong to its office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, to investigate his alleged significant role in insurrection-related tasks. According to the special investigation team, Hong is accused of being deeply involved in efforts to promote the legitimacy of the martial law by contacting foreign intelligence agencies, including the CIA, immediately after the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The team previously obtained a "foreign explanation document" during an April raid on the NIS. This document was prepared to explain the background of the martial law to foreign entities, and it is understood that the National Security Office sent a Korean-language version of the document to the NIS the day after the martial law was declared, requesting overseas promotion. Subsequently, the overseas department under Hong translated the document into English under the direction of former NIS Chief Cho Tae-yong and reportedly explained its contents directly to CIA officials. Contrary to the investigation's findings, Hong has completely denied the allegations. Speaking to reporters, he stated, "I have never received any orders from former Chief Cho to deliver a message. Consider whether it was even possible for him to give me such orders at that time." Regarding the document secured by the special investigation team, he added, "I cannot specify what it refers to, so I do not know. I was suddenly summoned and do not understand the context, so I will go in and find out." A graduate of the Army Academy, Hong served as a company commander in the 707th Special Mission Battalion under the Army Special Warfare Command. He was specially recruited by the predecessor of the NIS, the National Safety Planning Agency, in 1992 and worked as an NIS agent for approximately 32 years until he was dismissed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol for opposing the martial law in December 2024. Hong is known to have worked as a black agent (operational agent) at the NIS, primarily focusing on North Korea-related operations. He was the first black agent to rise to the position of Deputy Chief of the NIS due to his contributions in rebuilding human intelligence in areas where many casualties occurred, which black agents were reluctant to support. After the martial law was declared, Hong gained widespread recognition as a whistleblower during the investigation and impeachment proceedings. He testified before the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly, alleging that he received orders from former President Yoon to arrest politicians, which he reported to Cho, but claimed that Cho intentionally ignored it. Following this, the insurrection special investigation team successfully indicted Cho on charges of dereliction of duty based on Hong's statements. However, there are concerns within the legal community that the comprehensive special investigation team's decision to charge Hong with insurrection involvement may negatively impact future investigations and trials. Meanwhile, the comprehensive special investigation team is also investigating Lee Seung-oh, the former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Operations, as a suspect in connection with insurrection-related tasks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:34:18

Ruling Party Leads in Election Polls Ahead of Local Elections Ahead of the June 3 local elections, a survey indicates that more voters believe candidates from the ruling party should win than those from the opposition. According to a Korea Gallup poll conducted from May 19 to 21 with 1,002 eligible voters aged 18 and older, 46% of respondents said that more candidates from the ruling party should be elected, a 2 percentage point increase from the previous survey. In contrast, 33% expressed support for more opposition candidates, unchanged from the last poll. Additionally, 21% of respondents were undecided. The gap between the two parties has widened from about 3 percentage points last October to an average of 17 percentage points from April this year. However, it has narrowed to an average of 12 percentage points this month. By political orientation, 76% of progressive respondents anticipated a victory for the ruling party, while 63% of conservatives expected the opposition to win. Among moderates, 45% favored the ruling party, compared to 32% for the opposition. Age-wise, support for the ruling party was particularly strong among voters in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. In the 50s age group, 66% expected a ruling party victory, followed by 56% in their 40s and 48% in their 60s. Conversely, younger voters showed more support for the opposition, with 37% of those in their 20s and 45% of those in their 30s favoring the opposition. Among those aged 70 and older, 44% supported the opposition compared to 39% for the ruling party. Regionally, only Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province showed a preference for the opposition, with 40% supporting the opposition and 27% supporting the ruling party. In contrast, Gwangju and Jeolla Province exhibited the largest margin in favor of the ruling party, with 62% supporting it and only 13% for the opposition. In other regions, the ruling party led in Seoul (44% to 39%), Incheon and Gyeonggi Province (49% to 32%), Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province (43% to 35%), and Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong Province (41% to 34%). In the party support survey, the Democratic Party maintained a support rate of 45%, consistent with the previous survey. The People Power Party saw a slight decline of 1 percentage point to 22%. The gap in support between the two parties has decreased from 30 percentage points in early April to 23 percentage points in mid-May. Regionally, the Democratic Party was favored in most areas, but in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, the People Power Party led with 34% compared to the Democratic Party's 30%. This survey was conducted through random sampling of mobile phone numbers via telephone interviews. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 12%. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:31:21

People Power Party Calls Editing of Kim Tae-heum's Remarks a Clear Violation of Election Law People Power Party officials criticized Daejeon MBC on May 22 for omitting candidate Kim Tae-heum's opening remarks during a televised debate for the Chungnam governor position, calling it "a clear violation of election law and deliberate electoral fraud," and announced plans for legal action.Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's representative, stated at a central election committee meeting in Yeouido, "I hope the Election Commission and police will immediately investigate MBC and thoroughly uncover the truth."He added, "The 'M' in MBC seems to stand for the Democratic Party," questioning how a technical error could occur when election laws prohibit editing broadcast debates. "Editing should not be possible in the first place, so how could there be a technical accident?"Jang also called for a thorough investigation into any directives or involvement from higher-ups, as well as connections with the Democratic Party, asserting, "If such manipulation continues in election broadcasts, it will lead to even more frightening election manipulation than the Druking scandal."Jung Hee-yong, the party's secretary-general, described the complete omission of Kim's opening remarks as a serious issue that clouds voters' judgment and undermines the integrity of the electoral process. He pointed out that this editing directly violates Article 82, Section 1 of the Public Official Election Act, which states that broadcasts must not be edited.He further noted that the debate was conducted in a one-take format, making separate editing unnecessary, and argued that the selective editing of Kim's remarks cannot be dismissed as a mere technical error. He criticized Daejeon MBC's apology as evasive and inconsistent with the facts.The People Power Party plans to collaborate with Kim's team to file a complaint with the Election Broadcasting Deliberation Committee and the National Election Commission, as well as pursue criminal charges.Earlier, on May 21, Daejeon MBC aired the debate without Kim's one-minute opening remarks. The network later explained that the omission was a mistake made during the editing of outtakes from the recording process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:28:52

Public Participation Growth Fund Sells Out on First Day The 'Public Participation National Growth Fund' has generated explosive interest, selling out its online allocation on the first day of its launch. The fund's appeal lies in its investment in advanced strategic industries, along with tax benefits and loss mitigation features for investors.According to the financial sector on May 22, all allocated shares of the National Growth Fund were sold out at the five major banks: KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup. The total allocation for these banks was 220 billion won, with KB Kookmin receiving 65 billion won, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori each getting 45 billion won, and NH Nonghyup receiving 20 billion won.Customers flocked to bank branches to sign up, with reports of 'open runs' occurring at some locations where customers waited before opening hours due to concerns about stock depletion.Major securities firms, including Mirae Asset Securities, KB Securities, and Daishin Securities, also sold out their online allocations of the National Growth Fund.A representative from a commercial bank stated, "Many investors seem attracted to the income deduction benefits and the government's priority loss absorption structure," adding, "Sales have occurred at a faster pace than expected."The National Growth Fund will be available for a total of 600 billion won in a first-come, first-served basis until June 11. It combines 600 billion won from public funds and 120 billion won from the government to create a master fund, which will then invest in ten sub-funds. The investment limit is set at 100 million won per person annually, with a maximum of 200 million won over five years. The minimum investment amount varies by sales agent, ranging from 100,000 won to 1 million won.Investors who maintain their investment in a dedicated account for three years can receive income deductions of up to 18 million won, depending on the investment amount. If held for more than five years, a 9% separate taxation applies to dividend income. In the event of losses in any sub-fund, the government will absorb up to 20% of the public investment using its subordinate financial contributions.On the first day of the fund's launch, Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Ok-won visited the NH Nonghyup Bank branch at the Government Seoul Complex to personally sign up for the National Growth Fund. He went through the same registration process as regular investors to assess convenience and address any on-site issues.He stated, "This is an investment opportunity to share the fruits of growth in future strategic industries and a stepping stone to supply funds to advanced strategic industry companies." He also urged sales agents to prevent incomplete sales and assured that the government would monitor any inconveniences in the registration process in real-time.However, investors should be cautious. The National Growth Fund is a high-risk investment product with no principal guarantee, and only those with a suitable investment profile based on risk assessment can subscribe. Additionally, it has a closed structure with a five-year maturity, making early redemption impossible.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:27:00

U.S.-Iran Negotiations Stalled Over Uranium and Hormuz Strait Issues U.S. and Iranian ceasefire and peace negotiations have reached a critical juncture. Both sides have reportedly made significant progress toward a draft peace agreement through messages exchanged via a mediator. However, issues surrounding Iran's export of enriched uranium and navigation through the Hormuz Strait have emerged as key obstacles, preventing a final agreement. On May 21, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, issued a directive against the export of enriched uranium. Senior Iranian officials indicated that this policy reflects Khamenei's wishes and a consensus within Iran's power structure. This stance directly contradicts a core demand from the United States, which insists that Iran must export its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium. This level of enrichment is significantly higher than that used for civilian nuclear power and could drastically reduce the time needed to further enrich it to weapons-grade levels of 90%. On the same day, President Donald Trump stated at the White House regarding Iran's uranium, "We will take it. We do not need it or want it. After we take it, we will probably destroy it." Iran's calculations differ. The Iranian leadership believes that exporting uranium would make them more vulnerable to further attacks from the U.S. and Israel. They insist that they need to secure guarantees against additional attacks before entering detailed negotiations on their nuclear program. While Iran is open to discussing the dilution of uranium under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), they have drawn a line at exporting it. The issue of navigation through the Hormuz Strait has also surfaced as a significant barrier to agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that if Iran pushes for a toll system in the Strait, a diplomatic agreement would become impossible. He emphasized, "No one in the world supports a toll system; it is unacceptable, completely illegal, and a threat to the world." Rubio's comments address more than just the toll issue. If Iran were to operate the Hormuz Strait under a selective permit system and demand tolls, accepting such a system would imply U.S. recognition of Iran's maritime control, which is why the U.S. has classified this as a non-negotiable issue. Rubio acknowledged some "progress" and "good signals" in talks with Tehran but noted that Iran's internal decision-making appears "somewhat divided," suggesting that further observation is necessary. Even if practical agreements are reached, the alignment of interests among Iran's internal power factions remains a variable for a final agreement. Ultimately, the crux of this negotiation hinges not just on the peace agreement itself but on how far the U.S. is willing to recognize Iran's nuclear capabilities and maritime control post-war. For the U.S., extracting enriched uranium from Iran and restoring freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait are essential justifications for accepting any agreement. Conversely, Iran needs to retain its uranium and control over the Strait to maintain its narrative of regime security. Both sides face significant pressure to compromise. Reuters reported that "Tehran views its stockpile of enriched uranium and control over the Hormuz Strait as 'vital strategic assets for survival.'" A senior Iranian official also stated, "Surrender is not an option."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:18:30

Growing Interest in Buddhism Ahead of Buddha's Birthday As Buddha's Birthday approaches on May 24, more people are heading to bookstores and art galleries to explore Buddhism. With the younger generation embracing Buddhism as a trendy culture, there is a growing movement to experience the teachings of Buddha outside of temples. According to Kyobo Bookstore, Hermann Hesse's novel "Siddhartha" ranked seventh on the comprehensive bestseller list for the third week of May, climbing two spots from the previous week. Online bookstore Yes24 also reported that "Siddhartha" has remained in the top 20 for two consecutive weeks, gaining traction as interest in Buddhism rises alongside mindfulness and lifestyle content. A Yes24 representative stated, "Sales of 'Siddhartha' have increased every May for the past three years coinciding with Buddha's Birthday. From May 1 to 20 this year, sales surged by 47.4% compared to the same period last year." There is also a trend of enjoying Buddhism as a cultural experience, regardless of religious affiliation. The Seoul International Buddhist Expo held in April attracted a record 250,000 visitors over four days, with individuals in their 20s and 30s making up 81.7% of attendees. Approximately 40% of the visitors identified as non-religious, indicating that the event has evolved into a cultural festival enjoyed by all. This trend is extending to dining as well. Interest in temple cuisine has surged, particularly following the appearance of Monk Seonjae on the Netflix show "Black and White Chef." Yes24 reported that sales of temple cuisine cookbooks skyrocketed by 801% compared to the same period last year (January 1 to May 14). The best-selling book this year is "220 Flavors of Nature: Temple Cuisine by Monk Seonjae," reflecting a growing demand for enjoying temple food at home. Buddhist art is also gaining popularity. The National Museum of Korea's exhibition "Room of Contemplation," featuring two national treasures, the Bangasayusang statues, has drawn significant attention, with visitors captivated by the unique narratives and striking presence of the Buddha figures. The special exhibition "The Enlightened Buddha: The Bongjeongsa Temple Banner" at the National Museum of Korea features a massive banner measuring over 8 meters tall and 6 meters wide, depicting the scene of Buddha delivering teachings on Yeongchuksan Mountain. Additionally, a Kakao Friends character, Lion, and Chunsik have been transformed into a representation of the Bangasayusang statue, attracting visitors in the museum's open courtyard. The special exhibition "Seonunsa Temple: Entering Zen and Lying on Clouds" at the Buddhist Central Museum of the Jogye Order, located in Jongno-gu, features the gilt-bronze statue of Ksitigarbha, which has gained attention on social media due to its remarkable backstory. This statue was taken to Japan but returned after two years, reportedly bringing misfortune to those who stole it. The thieves confessed two years later in 1938, and the monks from Seonunsa traveled to Hiroshima that same year to retrieve the statue. Both exhibitions will run until June 21 and July 31, respectively.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:13:15